Today
How to undo the damage Victoria’s COVID response did to public trust
Federal and state governments should adopt a uniform code for pandemic management mandating medical advice be signed and published for any restrictive measures.
October 2024
The danger of COVID zealots has not passed
The proposed new Australian Centre for Disease Control is open to the same ideological capture that plagued its US counterpart.
September 2024
A cure for disinformation that’s as bad as the disease
Well-meaning legislation to protect Australians from online lies could end up silencing legitimate public health questions as well.
Australia’s new pandemic playbook
On the eve of the release of the national COVID-19 review, 10 key actions have emerged for when a similar pathogen hits Australia.
How Australia crushed the COVID curve and lost the race
This country had one of the best-designed economic responses in the world, and one of the worst vaccine procurement processes.
August 2024
Households have run out of pandemic savings
The $300 billion in pandemic-era savings may have run out, encouraging households to save stage three tax cuts.
Chadstone owner Vicinity beats guidance as occupancy rates rise
The mall landlord reported operating earnings of 14.6¢ per security after saying in February that it would hit the top end of its guidance of 14.5¢.
Five reasons health funds shouldn’t bail out private hospitals
The short-sighted arguments of vested interests would increase the cost of insurance for Australians contributing to their own healthcare.
July 2024
You’re not alone, workers are avoiding becoming managers
Working from home is far from the only enduring workplace trend of the pandemic. It’s clear that our attitudes to work have changed significantly too.
January 2024
Most cash is being hoarded, and lots used for crime, says RBA
As the RBA and lenders respond to crisis in cash distribution, new analysis shows up to 80pc of cash is being hoarded, while up to 11pc is in criminal hands.
How leaders became ‘accidental counsellors’
Managers were once advised to steer clear of employees’ personal problems. But now they are expected to show interest in them and offer support if required.
August 2023
WeWork troubles put $900m in rent at risk in Australia
The New York-listed company says there is “substantial doubt” over its ability to keep operating, as it bleeds cash and memberships are cancelled.
Qantas sued over ‘misleading’ flight credits, refunds
Hundreds of thousands of passengers waiting for refunds could claim compensation for lost interest from Qantas.
‘Please don’t hang up!’: What it’s like trying to claim Qantas credits
Qantas is still the most complained-about company in Australia, with refunds the biggest problem.
July 2023
Ansell shares plummet on glove glut, earnings warning
The maker of safety equipment flagged job cuts and major IT spending.
Luck and the street smile on Jumbo Interactive
A hot and cold year for jackpots has dimmed enthusiasm for lotteries reseller Jumbo Interactive, but a simple price increase will turn its fortunes around, analysts say.
June 2023
COVID-era policies cost young people $116b
Because policymakers gave in to political temptations and fear, the lives of our young people – and indeed all our lives – will be worse.
April 2023
This professor is a global coronavirus expert. Now he has long COVID
Jeremy Nicholson is a world-leader in understanding how disease interacts with people’s genetic make-up. But when he got long COVID, he had a whole new level of insight.
Labor has made a rod for its own back with the welfare committee
Treasurer Jim Chalmers had been sitting – and sweating – on the welfare report by the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee for weeks. It’s little wonder he tried to bury it.
March 2023
COVID-19 linked to 20,000 Australian deaths in 2022: study
Last year, excess deaths climbed to nearly 20,000 in Australia, a toll the country has not seen since World War ll.